Nine schools in PWCS receive the Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Music

The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) has awarded nine schools from Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) with the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award. This award is the highest recognition given to school music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and recognizes excellence achieved in band, orchestra, and choral performance.

Each year, secondary band, orchestra, and choral ensembles perform at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association District Concert Assessment, and Virginia Choral Directors Association Stage Assessment. During these assessments, student ensembles perform for a panel of adjudicators who assess students on their performance and provide feedback based on specific categories such as tone, intonation, rhythm, technique/diction, balance/blend, and artistry/musicianship. To qualify for this award, all disciplines in a school must receive a rating of "Superior" at their respective state music performance assessments.

"PWCS celebrates the nine schools recognized with the VMEA Blue Ribbon Award—Virginia’s highest honor for school music programs. This award reflects the outstanding achievement of our band, orchestra, and choral students and educators who consistently demonstrate musical excellence,” shared Dr. Annamarie Bollino, PWCS supervisor of the arts. “Furthermore, we would like to congratulate all students and teachers who performed at the state music assessments. This year, we saw a significant increase in performing ensembles that participated in state music performance assessments, and we are proud of the hard work and wonderful musicianship displayed that aligns with our strategic goal of increasing meaningful performance experiences in the visual and performing arts."

Congratulations to the following PWCS schools and music educators who earned the 2025 VMEA Blue Ribbon Award:

  • Bull Run Middle School
    • Alicia Brodt, Choir
    • Elizabeth Deavers, Orchestra
    • Connor Haupt, Band
    • Christopher Short, Band
  • Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School
    • Ben Bernstein, Orchestra
    • Timothy Grant, Band
    • Keri Staley, Choir
  • Gainesville Middle School
    • Steven Ballas, Band
    • Alexandra Bertke, Choir
    • Michael Persons, Orchestra
    • Alton Peters, Choir
  • Gainesville High School
    • Vincent Bryk, Band
    • Jennifer Malechek, Orchestra
    • Kristina Sheppard, Choir
  • Marsteller Middle School
    • Danielle Bowers, Orchestra
    • Shannon Fairbank, Band
    • Philip Keirstead, Choir
    • Julie Phelan, Choir
  • Osbourn Park High School
    • Dominick Izzo, Choir
    • Stephen Kelsey, Orchestra
    • Ashley Radabaugh, Band
  • Parkside Middle School
    • Katherine Huszcza, Orchestra
    • Abby Izzo, Band
    • Daniel Louden, Band
    • Felix Polendey, Choir
  • Patriot High School
    • Katie Highfill, Orchestra
    • Elizabeth Selby, Choir
    • Katherine Williams, Band
  • Potomac Shores Middle School
    • Emily Davies, Choir
    • Andrew Kerper, Choir
    • Myles Matalavage, Band
    • Amy Ruhlman, Orchestra